AN extravaganza of events is to take place in Warrington this October to mark National Family Learning Weekend.

The initiative is organised countrywide by the Campaign for Learning to raise awareness of the important role that families can play in supported learning.

The town's events, which have been co-ordinated by the borough council's education department, will give grandparents, children, parents, neighbours and friends the chance to get together and learn in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

On Friday, October 12, there will be a conference at one of the town's hotels, as well as a chance for school council groups to quiz the borough council's director of education.

A host of events with the theme Open the Box' will be held in libraries at various times during Saturday, October 13. These will include origami sessions, storytelling workshops, quizzes and advice on tracing family trees. The weekend will also be used to officially launch IT learning suites at several library sites.

Also on the Saturday, rugby league fans can enjoy a tour of the Wilderspool stadium between 3.30pm and 5pm, but this must be booked in advance by calling 235005.

The town's rangers have a huge range of walking events on offer, which are taking place on various dates until October 21, and a number of community events are also taking place, including dance and keep fit sessions, fire safety demonstrations, and nail art.

For full details of all the events, check posters in the libraries and information centre, or call 443163 or 443120.